Pune (Maharashtra), India, January 16, 2026: Smt. Shilpa Danave Turilay’s relationship with classical dance has never been about performance alone. For her, dance is a discipline shaped by years of study, consistent practice, and responsibility toward tradition. Known widely as Shilpa Ma’am, she has spent decades teaching, choreographing, and building institutions that treat classical dance as a serious and living art form.
Shilpa Danave Turilay, a Master’s graduate in English Literature, developed an early grounding in thought and expression under the guidance of Guru Vasundhara Thomas at Kalakshetra, Chennai. She specialized in the Kalakshetra Bani, a style that emphasizes restraint, clarity, and structural precision. These formative influences continue to shape her work as a teacher and choreographer.
Distinguished Achievements of Shilpa Danave Turilay
Shilpa’s illustrious journey in the world of dance stands as a testament to her excellence, vision, and unwavering dedication to the performing arts.
International Gold Medalist
Honoured with a Gold Medal at the International Level in the Open Professional Category, showcasing exceptional artistry and technical mastery.
World Record Holder
A proud World Record Holder, recognised by the International Book of World Records for creating a historic mass world record featuring the maximum number of dancers performing the maximum number of dance forms.
This landmark event was conceptualised, organised, and choreographed under her visionary leadership.
Author and Scholar of Bharatanatyam
Shilpa is the author of a one-of-its-kind Bharatanatyam book, “Margam – The Essence of Bharatanatyam”, thoughtfully written to benefit students, dance enthusiasts, and professional performers alike, serving as a comprehensive guide to the classical Margam format.
Prestigious Awards and Honors
Recipient of numerous esteemed accolades, including:
- Nrutya Sadhna – Akhil Bhartiya Sanskrutik Sangh
- Guru Mani – Akhil Lokkala Cultural Organisation
- Nrutya Bhushan – International Art and Cultural Society
- Junior Bal Gandharva – Pune Municipal Corporation
- Women of Substance – AAM
- Dancing Queen – Times of India
Through her exceptional achievements, scholarly contribution, and national recognition, Shilpa continues to inspire generations while elevating the legacy of Indian classical dance on prestigious platforms across the globe.
Passing the Form Forward
Margam Dance Academy, founded by Shilpa, reflects her belief that dance education must be steady and rooted in values. The academy is known for disciplined training and careful attention to technique rather than shortcuts or spectacle. Students are trained to understand the meaning behind movement and to respect the form they practise.
Over the years, the academy has produced consistent results at major platforms, including being recognised as the highest prize-winning academy at the World Cultural Olympiad. For Shilpa, however, the real achievement lies in watching students grow into confident, grounded performers who remain connected to tradition even as they step onto larger stages.
Following this success at national and international levels, Shilpa founded India’s International Art Festival 5 in 2023 with the aim of creating a dedicated platform for emerging and upcoming artists. Since its inception, the festival has completed four successful editions including Thailand (2023), Goa (2024), Pune (2024), and Vietnam (2025). The festival has brought together more than 500 dancers from across the world, representing a wide range of dance styles.
Creating Spaces for Cultural Exchange
Beyond teaching, Shilpa has worked to create opportunities for artists to engage with wider audiences. As the founder of India’s International Art Festival 5, she has brought together performers from different backgrounds, allowing classical and contemporary forms to share the same space. The festival focuses on collaboration rather than competition and has become a meeting point for cultural dialogue.
Her interest in research and cultural study has also taken her beyond the stage. As a UNESCO and CID member, she presented a paper on Indian dance and spirituality at the 52nd World Dance Congress in Athens. The presentation reflected her long-standing interest in the deeper ideas that shape classical art forms.
Performance, Choreography, and Social Work
Shilpa’s work as a performer and choreographer spans stage productions, national television platforms, and film projects in South Indian and Marathi cinema. She was a Gold Medalist at the World Cultural Olympiad and a finalist on programmes such as India’s Got Talent and India Banega Manch. One of her most notable achievements includes choreographing 501 students across nine dance forms, a feat recognised by the International Book of World Records.
Alongside her artistic work, she remains actively involved in social initiatives. Recognised by UNICEF and Helpage India, she regularly conducts performances to raise funds for orphanages and old age homes. She also supports programmes linked to women’s empowerment, art therapy, and cultural education. A trained painter, she often uses visual art as another way to communicate ideas and emotion.
Shilpa Danave Turilay continues to work steadily, focusing on training, research, and community-building. Her contribution lies not only in performance or recognition, but in ensuring that classical dance remains disciplined, meaningful, and relevant for the generations that follow.
To know more, visit: https://margamdance.com
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